Container and spool package



Oct. 12, 1965 1.w. H. BISHOP 3,211,273

CONTAINER AND SPOOL PACKAGE Filed April 21, 1961 4 sheets-sheet 1 is e071 vo 73 INVENTOR.

JOHN W.H. BISHOP FIG. 3 BY A TTORNEYS Oct. 12, 1965 J. w. H. BISHOP 3,211,273

CONTAINER AND SPOOL PACKAGE Filed April 21, 1961 4 sheets-sheet z INVENTOR. FIG- Il JOHN w.H.BlsHoP ATTORNEYS Oct. 12, 1965 J. w. H. BISHOP 3,211,273

CONTAINER AND SPOOL PACKAGE med April 21, 1961 4 sheets-sheet s FIG. I3

FIG. I6

INVENTOR.

JOHN W. H. BISHOP BY @7a/ew, ywmm/m/@ ATTORNEYS 06f- 12, 1965 J. w. H. BISHOP 3,211,273

CONTAINER AND SPOOL PACKAGE Filed April 21, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 76 INVENTOR.

FIG. |5 JOHN w.H.B|sHoP ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,211,273 CNTAINER AND SPOL PACKAGE John W. H. Bishop, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, assiguor to Bishop Spools, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Apr. 21, 1961, Ser. No. 104,705 13 Claims. (Cl. 197-151) My invention relates to packaging and in particular provides a container and spool package arrangement suitable for packaging elongated webs, such as business machines inking ribbons.

An important object of my invention is to provide a spool-receiving container provided with an arrangement whereby the spool, typically having the business machine inking ribbon on it, can be released from the container into a desired position upon a spindle without the necessity of handling the spool.

In another aspect, it is an important object of my invention to provide a container-spool arrangement in which the free end of the ribbon is readily accessible.

In still another aspect of my invention, it is a further object of my invention to provide a container and spool construction detachably connected to a similar spool and container construction in which an inking ribbon is fastened to both spools and wound upon one or both spools such that the two containers can be readily separated to place the ribbon in position in the business machine, for example, in a typewriter on the pair of spindles normally utilized for the purpose of receiving the spools, without the necessity of handling the ribbon or spools.

In still another aspect of my invention, it is an important object of my invention to provide unique ribbon end fastening arrangements on a business machine inking ribbon spool which will accommodate any of the common ribbon end fastening devices as well as a ribbon having a plain end in a manner which is especially amenable to spools having slotted hubs in which a reversing lever isV movable such that no matter which of the various types of end fastening arrangements is employed interference with the action of the reversing lever will be prevented.

It is still another object of my invention to provide spool, container and ribbon fastening devices which will particularly be amenable to molding from plastic materials having special regard to the employment of simple die constructions requiring movement away from two planes only.

Thus, my invention essentially provides a container and spool in which the container is in the form of a closed wall, such as a cylinder, receiving the spool in sliding t through an open end of the container. The interior of the container is provided with a number of ribs which preferably extend into the container at intervals about the container from one end of the container by slottng the container to separate from the interior of the container wall relatively elongated portions, the free ends of which are free to move outwardly. Each of the ribs in the vicinity of one flange of the spool is provided with a device for engaging the flange rim of the spool, typically a small projection abutting the inner side of the ange rim of the spool, such that movement of the spool out of one end of the container is restrained by such projections. On the outer side of the same flange is positioned a resilient release device preferably in the form of a spider, having arms extending outwardly in engagement with the ribs in the container wall adjacent the outer face of the flange. The release device has a bowed form and thus is spaced at its center away from the flange on the spool. Accordingly, when the release device is pushed at its center toward the spool, its arms tend to straighten and splay outwardly pushing the ribs outwardly to disengage the 3,211,273 Patented Oct. 12, 1965 spool by withdrawing the projections or other engaging devices from engagement with the flange rim. In a preferred form of construction the spaces along the container wall between the ribs are also provided with small projections which are positioned adjacent the outer side of the same flange rim engaged by the projections on the ribs, thus restraining movement of the spool in the opposite direction in the container. It is also preferable to provide the arms on the release device with a construction at their ends which will bear against the flange rim such that, as the release device is pushed at its center, the straightening of the arms that takes place will tend to force the flange rim in a direction urging the spool out of the container from the end opposite that at which the release device is mounted.

To facilitate attachment of the free end of the ribbon contained in the spool in the container, it is preferable to provide a slot in the container extended through the wall of the container generally lengthwise of the container with one end of the slot extended through the end of the container through which the spool is released. Thus the free end of the ribbon can be extended a short distance through the slot and fastened exteriorally on the container wall. Additionally, where a tandem spool arrangement is contemplated, the exterior surface of the container wall adjacent the slot, preferably on both sides of the slot, is flatted and pegs and holes correspondingly mounted in such Hat on each of the containers are provided such that the two containers can be abutted at their at surfaces with the slot in each container wall in register with the slot in the other such that the ribbon can be extended from the spool in one container through the container wall slots on to the spool in the other container. In this arrangement the pegs and holes normally are mated with a reasonably tight lit to hold the containers together in xed position. Thus, when the ribbon and spools are to be placed in the business machine, the two containers are simply pulled apart to disengage the pegs and holes drawing a length of ribbon between them which can then be engaged in the elevator frame or other operating mechanism normally intended to receive the ribbon. With the spools then positioned on the spindles of the business machine, the release devices are pressed and containers lifted clear of the business machine, leaving the ribbon and spools in place in the machine.

ln a further aspect of my invention, l also provide a ribbon end fastening device basically in the form of a recess on the hub of the spool with a pair of short arms c-entered over such recess confronting each other. On each side the arms are preferably provided with cutouts at the corners of their confronting ends. The center of the recess is grooved on each side of the arms up to immediately beneath the cutouts on the arms. In this arrangement, it is usually desirable to provide two such recess and arm arrangement diametrically opposite each other on the hub. Where the hub must be lslotted to receive a reversing lever the pair of recesses and confronting arms are positioned from such slot on each side of it. Also, where the hub is slotted to provide for a reversing lever, in accordance with my invention, additional ribbon end fastening arrangements are advantageously provided adjacent such slot by providing a T-shaped slot in the hub wall with its leg opening into the reversing lever slot, a second slot in the hub adjacent and parallel to the arms of the T-slot and preferably a ribbon end dellecting n interiorly of the hub. Normally, in spools of the reversing lever type which require a slot across the hub wall the interior of the hub from one end is proivded with a sleeve for receiving the spindle. I thus contemplate providing a deflecting lin extending outwardly to the hub from such sleeve which joins the inner side of the hub 3 wall adjacent such parallel slot on its side opposite the T-slot. Desirably in order to permit winding in both directions a T-.slot, parallel slot and fin are provided on each side of the reversing lever slot.

In modified form the ribbon end fastening device described above can accommodate noiseless core-type spool holders in accordance with the construction of my copending application S.N. 8,375 filed February 12, 1960, now Patent No. 3,042,180. In this arrangement it is necessary to provide a window in the hub of the spool across which a rib is provided which projects at its center slightly into the interior of the hub for the purpose of applying pressure to the noiseless core-type spool holder which has an enlarged hub on which the hub of the spool is received. It is also required, in accordance with my above noted copending application, that the circumferential edges of the window be provided with structure projecting outwardly from the hub for the purpose of holding the ribbon, as it is wound about the hub, out of the contact with the rib. Fastening devices must be provided on opposite sides of the window diametrically opposite each other for securing the ribbon end, while the reversing lever opening is diametrically opposite the rib. I have found that the confronting arm arrangement described above can be modified in accordance with the construction described in my above noted copending application by slotting the recess over which the arms are centered on each side of the arms in the longitudinal direction of the hub to define a rib underlying the confronting arms which can be made to project inwardly at its center as required in my above noted copending application, while the confronting arms serve to hold the ribbon as it is wound about the spool out of contact with the rib, permitting the rib to iiex as is required when installing it and when removing it from the hub of the noiseless core-type spool holder. In such arrangement it isal of course necessary to provide additional ribbon end fastening devices on opposite sides of the confronting arms, preferably diametrically opposite each other. Such fastening devices can be additional confronting arm arrangements but preferably are ribs formed in the exterior of the hub wall with the hub wall recessed beneath them.

In utilizing such fastening devices, it will be apparent immediately that an eyelet or clip at the end of a ribbon can be secured readily by drawing the ribbon end under the confronting arms to engage the clip or eyelet, which is received in the cutouts and grooves between the confronting arms. A hook eyelet on a ribbon end can be hooked over such confronting arms. A looped ribbon end similarly can be looped over the confronting arms. To accommodate the eyelet on a loop it is preferable to provide a groove entirely about the center of the hub which joints the end of the groove on each side of the recess. These fastening arrangements are even more suitable in attaching a plain end ribbon, that is a ribbon having no fastening device at all. Where the T-slot arrangement is employed, the ribbon is inserted into the reversing lever opening, deflected by the fin into the parallel slot and extended beyond the adjacent at and confronting arms. The bight of the ribbon is then pulled to draw the ribbon out of the reversing lever slot into the T-slot. The bight, together with the end of ribbon underlying it, are then inserted between the confronting arms into the recess and pulled taut, thus anchoring the ribbon. Where the hub is too narrow to accommodate a reversing lever slot, a plain end ribbon is secured in position by looping the ribbon around the pair of confronting arms on one side of the hub with the free end underlying the bight. These are then inserted beneath the confronting arms on the opposite side of the hub and pulled taut.

When the construction is modified, as described above, to accommodate a noiseless core-type spool holder, it will be apparent when hook eyelets, looped ribbons, clips and eyelets used for fastening a ribbon end are used they are slipped over or under the confronting arms, as described above. When a plain end ribbon is used, it is slipped beneath one or the other of the exterior ribs of the hub wall toward and extending over the confronting arms. The bight of the ribbon is then placed over the ribbon end and both are inserted between the confronting arms and pulled taut to secure the ribbon.

For a more complete understanding of the practical application of my invention, reference is made in the appended drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a container and spool arrangement in accordance with my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical section taken through the container and spool shown in FIGURE 1 at line 2.-2 in FIGURE 1 and also including a cap;

FIGURE 3 is an elevation of the container shown in FIGURES 1 and 2;

FIGURE 4 is a partially exploded view in perspective of a number of containers and spools as shown in FIG- URES 1, 2 and 3;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary vertical section of the arrangement of FIGURE 4 when completely assembled;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary plan view shown partly in section along line 6-6 in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded isometric view of a pair of containers of the type shown in FIGURES 1-3 showing a modification for connecting such containers in tandem;

FIGURE 8 is a partial cut-away fragmentary plan View illustrating the joint achieved between the containers shown in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating details of the construction of the container shown in FIGURES 1 3;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary perspective view omitting certain parts shown in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary vertical section similar to that shown in FIGURE 2 illustrating the operation of the container in ejecting the spool;

FIGURE l2 is an isometric view of the spool shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 13 is a development of a hub of the spool shown in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary vertical section taken at line )L4- 14 in FIGURE 13;

FIGURE. 15 is a perspective fragmentary view of the interior of the hub of the spool shown in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 16 is a perspective fragmentary view of a modied spool construction in accordance with my invention;

FIGURE 17 is a somewhat diagrammatic section illustrating a step in attaching a ribbon to the hub of the spool shown in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 18 is a view similar to FIGURE 17 showing completion of the attachment of the ribbon, which attachment was initiated shown in FIGURE 17;

FIGURE 19 is a fragmentary schematic view similar to FIGURE 18 illustrating ribbon attachment where the ribbon is terminated with an eyelet;

FIGURE 20 is a view similar to FIGURE 19 showing attachment of a ribbon terminating with a hook eyelet;

FIGURE 21 is a view similar to FIGURE 2O illustrating ribbon attachment when the ribbon is terminated with a flat clip;

FIGURE 22 is a view similar to FIGURE 18 illustrating ribbon attachment when the ribbon is terminated in a loop; and

FIGURE 23 is a somewhat diagrammatic section of the spool shown in FIGURE 16 illustrating ribbon attachment with such a spool.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the reference numeral designates a container in accordance with my invention, while the reference numeral designates a release device and the reference numeral designates a spool.

Container 3l) has a general cylindrical side wall 31 which is inwardly rabbeted at its lower end 32. The upper end of side wall 31 is provided with an integral, generally cylindrical extension 33 having the same outer diameter as the main side wall 31 with a larger inside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of the rabbeted end 32, such that a series of containers 30 can be stacked as illustrated more particularly by reference to FIGURES 4 and 5.

Referring also to FIGURES 9 and 10, the main side wall portion 31 of container 30 is provided with vertical slots extending downwardly from the base of extension 33 through a major portion of side wall 31 with reference to its vertical dimension to define nine relatively narrow upstanding ribs 34 on the inner side of side wall 31 spaced at equal arcuate intervals about such side wall. Thus, each rib is defined by a pair of vertical slots 35, 35' which extend from the inside of side wall 31 partly through side wall 31 into vertical alignment with the inside diameter of extension 33. A third vertical slot 36 extending downwardly from the inside of the base of extension 33 into side wall 31 is provided intersecting and thus joining the edges of slots 35, 35. The depth of extension of vertical slots 35, 35 and 36 in side wall 31 should be such that the ribs 34 thereby dened in side wall 31 are relatively flexible to enable their upper ends to be readily pushed outwardly in the space provided by slot 36.

Release device 50 preferably is integrally formed as part of container 30 and is in the shape of a spider (see also FIGURES 1 and 9). The release device, that is spider 50, is relatively thin in vertical dimension and is bowed upwardly at its center which has the shape of an annular disk 51 from which such radial arms 52 extend, bowed slightly downwardly, spaced at equal arcuate intervals about the peripheral edge of disk 51. At their outer ends arms 52 are joined to the upper ends of ribs 34 as indicated. In the illustrated case the joint between each arm 52 and rib 34 is formed by molding container 30 and spider 5t) as an integral unit. They can, however, be separately formed and joined as indicated by cementing or otherwise fastening or engaging the outer ends of arms 52 with the upper ends of ribs 34.

Adjacent its outer end each arm 52 is provided with a small projection 53 on its under surface. Adjacent its upper end each arm 34 is provided with an inwardly extending projection 37, the upper surface of which is spaced slightly below the upper end of its associated rib 34. Similarly, the solid portion of side wall 31 between ribs 34 at the base of extension 33 is provided with an inwardly extending flange 38, the underside of which lies in the same horizontal plane as the undersides of projections 53 on arms 52 and is spaced slightly above the upper surface of projections 37, the spacing being that of a ange thickness of spool 70 discussed later.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 2 and 4, container 30 is desirably provided with an upper end closure 39 in the form of an annular disk 40 having a depending skirt about the outer periphery of disk 40. Closure 39 is normally positioned inside extension 33 with skirt 41 snugly received within the inner surface of extension 33 resting on the upper ends of the solid portions of wall 31 between ribs 34 and with the central aperture of disk 40 registering over the central aperture of disk 56. Desirably the central aperture of disk 4t) is covered with a piece of adhesive tape 42 having a small tab 43 to facilitate its removal.

The underside of container 30 is provided with an end cap 44 (see FIGURES 4 and 5) which is received over rabbet 32 on the bottom of container 30.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 3 and 6, container 30 is also provided with a vertical slot 45 extending through side Wall 31 of container 3l) from its lower end up to about the level of the upper ends of ribs 34, and centrally positioned between a pair of ribs 34. The upper end of slot 45 is slightly enlarged with its vertical edges chamfered for a height equal to the width of a ribbon of spool '711 discussed later. The exterior of side wall 31 is flatted in a plane normal to the radial plane from the center of container 3d which is centered through slot 45, as indicated by the reference numeral 46, thus defining flat surfaces symmetrically disposed about slot 45. Adjacent each side of at surface 46, the exterior surface of side wall 31 is provided with a small groove 47.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 2, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, spool 70 is provided with a central hollow hub 71 of generally cylindrical dimension, having a longitudinal dimension slightly larger than the ribbon to be received on spool 70 and having end flanges '72 and 73. Flange 72 is formed of two equal sectoral plates 74 diametrically opposite each other striking an angle of about 120 each and extending outwardly from one end of hub 71 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of hub 71. Flange 73 is an annular plate lying in a plane parallel to ange 72 and positioned on the opposite end of hub 71 from ange 72. The central aperture of ange 72 registers with the central aperture through hollow hub 71. The other end of hub 71 is, however, partly closed by an annular disk 75, the center aperture of which is provided with a wedge-shaped notch 76 of shape and size for receiving a conventional reversing lever and extending partly into flange 73. A slot 77 extending the length of hub 71 from notch 76 is also provided in hub 71 to receive the conventional reversing lever. It will be noted that in normal usage flange 72 formed of sectoral plate 74 is the top flange of spool 70. Thus,l centrally within hub 71 there is provided a short spindle receiving sleeve '7S which at its lower end terminates in disk 75, having its center registering with the center aperture of disk 75 to receive a spindle.

The short cylindrical wall forming hub 71 is exteriorally provided with a pair of identical fastening devices diametrically opposite each other and at 90 angles from slot 77. As best seen in FIGURES 2, 12 and 13, each such fastening device includes a flat 79 forming a recessed portion on hub 71 at its center being substantially lower than the generally cylindrical contour of hub 71 and having a Width across the length of the hub approximately the Width of the ribbon to be received. From each end of hub 71 a pair of confronting arms 80, 80 are secured centrally overlying flat 79 with their ends confronting spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of the minimum size eyelet ordinarily employed for securing ribbon ends. The undersides of arms 80 as can best be seen in FIGURE 14 lie below the generally cylindrical contour of hub 71 andare tapered such that they are thinner at their confronting ends than at their ends secured in the hub. Adjacent the confronting ends of each arm 80, on each side of each arm Si) the end arm is provided with a small cut out forming a recess 81 in each corner of the confronting ends of each arm 80. Similarly, flat 79 is provided with a pair of grooves 82, 82 which extend circumferentially of hub 71 from each end of flat 79 toward its center and terminate in alignment beneath recess 31, S1, 81, 81 such that the recess and grooves define a pair of eyelet receiving pockets one on each side of the confronting arms 80, 30. It will be evident that the spacing of the confronting ends of arms 811, 80 above at 79 is less than the minimum thickness of any eyelet conventionally used in securing ribbons. As can best be seen in FIGURE 13 the groove 82 on each side of confronting arms 80, 80 is extended circumferentially around hub 71 being interrupted only where the hub is slotted, as for example, at reversing lever slot 77. It will also be noted, referring to FIGURE 12, that sector plates 74, 74 are positioned such that the openings between them are centered on confronting arms 80, 311 to facilitate access to such arms.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 13 and l5, additional fastening devices are provided adjacent reversing lever slot 77 on each side of such slot. Each such additional fastening device includes a T-slot 83 extending through the wall of hub 7l having its leg opening into reversing lever lslot `77 at its center with the arms of slot 83 p-arallel to slot 77 and dening an opening approximately a ribbon width in length. Immediately adjacent to each T-slot 83 at its side remote from slot 77 is a slot 84 through the side wall of hub 7l parallel to slot 77 and the arms of T-slot 83 and approximately having the same length as the arms of T-slot E53. It will be noted referring to FIGURE 15, that the edge of slot S4 remote from T- slot 83 is desirably chamfered.

Referring more particlularly to FIGURE 17, it will be noted that interiorly a tin S5 is provided on each side of notch 76 lying in planes parallel to the axis of hub 7l and interconnecting the side of sleeve 7S adjacent notch 76 and the inner side of the wall of hub 7l adjacent the chamfered edge of slot 84. A smooth surface is thus provided leading from the surface of each tin 85 facing slot 77 into the chamfered edge of slot In operation referring more particularly to FIGURES 2 and 1l, spool 7i? is normally :positioned within cont-ainer 30 with its sectoral iianged end facing upwardly so that the sector plates 74 t between projections 37 which abut the inner face of sector plates 74 and flanges 38 which abut the outer face of sector plates 74. It will be noted that the employment of a multiplate flange, such as flange 72, imposes a restriction on the spacing of ribs 34, that is, the spacing between ribs 34 must be less than the peripheral rim length of each sector forming flange 72, It will be appreciated, also, that where an annular flange, such as flange 73, is used on both sides of the spool, the number of ribs 34 and, consequently, the number of arms 52 required can be reduced and that their spacing is not critical.

When spool lo is to be removed from container 3l), bottom cap 44 is removed from container 30 and the spool positioned over its desired final resting place, typically on the spool-receiving spindle of a typewr-iter or similar business machine. Disk 4t?, which is relatively flexible, is then depressed, as shown in FIGURE 11, engaging the center of disk 5l, causing spider S0 to straighten out, thereby forcing arms 52 outward in a radial direction carrying the upper ends of ribs 34 outwardly also, Such outward movement of ribs 34 disengages projections 37 from the underside of flange 72, allowing spool 7 il to fall yclear of container 30. It will be noted that the small projections 53 on the undersurface of arms 52, because of the straightening of spider 50, move downwardly assisting in pushing flange 72 past projections 37.

Since it is normally desirable to have ready access to the outer end of any ribbon R Wound on spool 70, such outer end of ribbon R is normally extended through slot 45 laround one of its chamfered edges and attached in position along the exterior of side wall 31. In the event a hook or eyelet is attached to the end of ribbon R, such as eyelet E shown in FIGURE 6, the positioning of the end of ribbon R should be `such that the hook or eyelet falls in recess 4'7 to prevent ribbon R from being dislodged accidently through snagging of eyelet E. Thus, when cap 39 is depressed to release spool 7l), the user simultaneously detaches the end of ribbon R from the exterior of container 30 and slides ribbon R down through the bottom of slot 45 as the spool is released.

As suggested above, the employment of the rabbeted bottom 32 on container 30 facilitates storage of the containers in stacked arrangement (see FIGURES 4 and 5). In such 4an arrangement, only one bottom cap 44 is employed, but each container 3i) is provided with a top closure 39. Thus, when an individual .spool is to be used, the top container 30 of the stack is removed land at all times both ends of the stack remain closed by the freshly exposed top closure 39 of the next yunderlying container 3i) and bottom cap 44. In this manner evaporation of ink is minimized while at the same tlme the successive removal of containers does not impair the seal of the remaining stack of containers.

As suggested above, it is sometimes desirable when replacing spools in a typewriter or similar business machine to have `a pair of spools with the ribbon wound partly on both spools such that the spools and ribbon can be emplaced simultaneously to minimize the necessity ofthe operator handling the ribbon. In accordance with my invention, I provide for such tandem arrangements as illustrated in FIGURES 7 vand 8 by modifying the container construction. Thus, the modified containers 30 in addition to the components previously described are provided with one or more pegs 86 and correspondingly positioned holes 87 in at 46. Thus, in the illustrated containers 30 a peg 86 and a hole S7 are symmetrically displaced on opposite sides of the center of slot 45 'at the upper end of iiat 46 on each container 30 and a peg 86 and hole 87 are simultaneously symmetrically displaced on opposite sides of slot 4S at the lower end of ilat 46. Preferably, the pegs 86 in the upper and lower ends of ilat 46 will be on opposite sides of slot 45. Referring to yFIGURE `8, it will be seen that the two containers are placed against each other with slots 45 .in register and pushed together to mate the pegs 86 with the holes 87, thus engaging the containers 30 with the ribbon R extending between the spools through registering slots 45. lt will be evident that in use the two containers 30 are merely pulled apart and installed in the business machine in the conventional manner when using tandem spool arrangements.

Ribbon end attachment to the hub 71 of spool 70 is readily facilitated by the various ribbon fastening devices described above. Referring more particularly to FIGURE 17, when a ribbon R having a plain end P is to be attached, this is most readily accomplished by inserting plain end P of ribbon R into reversing lever opening 77, such that end P is deflected by one or the other n 85 outwardly through slot S4. This free end of ribbon R is drawn past the immediately adjacent pair of confronting arms S0. The bight of ribbon R together with lfree end P which underlies it are then slipped between the confronting arms 86 into the space between them and flat 79 and pulled taut as shown in FIGURE 18 Ito complete the attachment of ribbon R.

Alternatively, or in the event that the hub of the spool employed is relatively small and provision for a reversing lever type action is not desired, a ribbon R with a plain end `P can also be secured by taking plain end P and looping it about a pair of confronting arms 80 on one side of the hub with plain end P underlying the bight and extending more than half way around the lhub to -another pair of confronting arms Si), such that plain end P and the overlying bight can be slipped underneath the second pair of confronting arms 8l) and pulled taut to secure ribbon R.

When the ribbon end is provided with an eyelet E, the attachment, as shown in FIGURE 19, is accomplished simply by slipping a portion of the bight of ribbon R adjacent eyelet E beneath confronting arms 8() and then pulling taut ribbon R to slip eyelet E into the pocket defined by a groove 82 and its overlying recesses 81. Desirably, as the ribbon is wound on the spool in its rst half turn, it may be secured again beneath the other pair of confronting arms 80.

Some ribbons, as illustraed in FIGURE Z0, are terminated with a hook I-I for fastening purposes. In such cases, hook H is simply hooked about a pair of confronting arms 30.

When a ribbon end is terminated in a flat clip C, as illustrated in FIGURE 2l, the procedure for securing the ribbon R is identical with that when securing an eyelet end ribbon as illustrated in FIGURE 19 except that the clip will not fall in the relatively narrow groove 82 but will ride up to and abut the aligned edges along one side of confronting arms 80. It will be noted that this type of termination frequently found in certain ribbons imposes a requirement that the side edges of confronting arms 80 should always be straight and aligned.

Referring more particularly to FIGURE 22, when a ribbon R is terminated in a fixed loop L typically secured by an eyelet E, the securing procedure is to position loop L about one pair of confronting arms 80.

When the spool is to be modied to accommodate noiseless core-type spool holders, referring more particularly to FIGURES 16 and 23 in which the reference numeral 90 designates the spool, I still provide a gener-ally cylindrical hub wall 91 which at its lower end is provided with an annular flange 93, and which at its upper end is provided with a :sectoral flange 92 formed by a pair of sector plates 94.

In this construction, however, the bottom end of the hub is open, while the top end of hub 91 is closed with a generally annular, inwardly turned flange 95'. On one side of hub 91, underlying a sector plate 94, the lower end of the hub is slotted, as indicated by the reference numeral 96, with the slotextending partly out into flange 93 providing an opening to accommodate the reversing lever of the spool holder. On the inner side of the hub wall, there are provided a pair of splines 97 which extend partly down from the top of hub 91 immediately over slot 96, splines 97 being utilized to engage the spool holder in a conventional manner.

Diametrically opposite reversing lever opening 96 the cylindrical wall forming hub 91 is exteriorly provided with a flat 99 forming ia recessed portion on hub 91, which at its center is substantially lower than the generally cylindrical contour of hub 91 and having a width across the length of the hub approximately the width of the ribbon to be received. A pair of confronting arms 100, 100 are secured centered, overlying flat 99 with their ends confronting spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of the minimum size eyelet ordinarily employed for securing ribbon ends. The under sides of arms 100 lie below the generally cylindrical contour of hub 91 and are tapered such that they are thinner at their confronting ends than at their ends secured in the hub. Adjacent the confronting end of each arm 100 on each side of arm 100, the end of the arm is provided with a small cutout forming a recess 101 in each corner of the confronting ends of each arm 100.

The depth of flat 99 is desirably such that adjacent each side of arms 100 the flat cuts through the wall of hub 91 defining ya slot 102 through the wall of hub 91 extending across the width of flat 99 on each side of confronting arms 100. Immediately beneath arms 100 a rib 103 is formed between the slots 102 which is integral at its ends with the wall structure of hub 91. At its center rib 103 is bowed inwardly of the general interior contour of hub 91.

At 90 angles from arms hub 91 is further provided 100 on each side of hub 91, with a flat 104, each of which at its center is lower than the generally cylindrical contour of hub 91 and has a width across the length of the hub approximately the width of the ribbon to be received. A rib 105 on the exterior side of hub 91 and secured at its ends in the ends of hub 91 overlies each flat 104.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 19, 20 and 21, it will be apparent that the confronting arms 100 provide a ribbon end fastening device for eyelets, hook eyelets and clips on the ends of ribbons in the same manner as confronting arms S of spool 70. When, however, referring more particularly to FIGURE 23, a ribbon R with a plain end P is to be attached on spool 90, end P is passed beneath a rib 105 extended in the direction of arms 100 sufficiently to overlie arms 100. The bight of ribbon R is then folded about the rib 105 to a position overlying end P, and both are then inserted between arms 100 and pulled taut to secure ribbon R.

While I have illustrated the container aspects of my invention above with reference to specific spools 70 and 90, it will be apparent that other spools can be employed. When spool 70 or spools of the type described in my copending application Serial No. 8,375 are used and a plastic insert is positioned within the hub, the spool should be employed in container 30 with the relatively more restricted end of the spool hub directed upwardly. Thus, when the insert or adapter is to be removed because not required, this can be done quite readily by removing tape 42 from top closure 39 and pushing the end of a pencil through the central apertures of disk 40, disk 51 and the end of the hub to expel the adapter.

As mentioned above, the design of both container30 and its release device 50, as well as spool 70 or 90 has been made with the contemplation that these articles will be fabricated by molding techniques. It will be apparent for this reason that to facilitate molding the fastening devices such as that formed of confronting arms and flat 79, the flats 79 on opposite sides of hub 71 should be parallel. Similarly, referring to container 30, it is desirable to provide openings 54 adjacent the outer ends of arms 52 registering with projections 37 to permit the die on the upper side of container 30 to extend through arms 52 and form projections 37. In the case of spool 90, where the parting line of the mold is parallel to flats 104, fins on the mold insert forming the interior of hub 91 should be provided to undercut exterior ribs 105. This can lead to the formation of a slot in hub 91 immediately underlying each rib and hence ribs 105 should be as thin as consistent with the stress imposed during ribbon winding.

It will bel noted that the spools 70 and 90 are each provided with a sectoral flange on one end. The purpose of such a flange, aside from reducing material requirements, is primarily to provide access to the ribbon fastening device. It will be apparent that the location of the openings between the sector plates forming each such sectoral flange can be varied to suit any manufacturers ribbon attaching operation as may be desired. It will also be apparent that such a sectoral flange need not be formed with equal openings between the sector plates, that the sector plates need not be all the same size and that more than two sector plates may be employed Where desired.

I claim:

1. In the combination of a spool having a hub with a flange at one end of said hub and a container having a wall closed upon itself to define a hollow space in which said spool is positioned with said flange facing one end of said container, the improvement which includes means defining a plurality of resilient ribs on the inner side `of said wall spaced at intervals thereabout, each said rib having one end thereof secured to said wall and having the other end of said rib free to move outwardly and located adjacent the rim of said flange, means on each rib engaging said flange rim to restrain movement of said spool in said container, and a bowed, resilient release device positioned adjacent said flange opposite said hub bowed away from said flange at the center thereof and having a plurality of arms, each said arms engaging at the end thereof the inner side of a said rib adjacent the rim of said flange.

2. The improvement according to claim 1 in which said means defining said ribs includes a plurality of slots extending lengthwise in said wall from an end thereof separating longitudinally extending portions of said wall thereby defining the free end of each said rib, and terminating short of the opposite end of said Wall thereby defining the secured end of each said rib.

3. The improvement according to claim 2 in which said slots defining each said rib include two non-intersecting slots extending partly int-o said Wall from the inner surface thereof and a third slot within said wall intersecting said two slots.

4. The improvement according to claim 1 in which said means engaging said flange rim are inwardly extending projections on said ribs.

5. The improvement according to claim 4 in which said projections on said ribs abut the inner side of said iiange rim.

6. The improvement according to claim 5 in which said ribs are spaced apart and which further includes inwardly extending projections on said wall between said ribs which projections on said wall abut the outer side of said fiange rim.

7. The improvement according to claim S in which said fiange includes a plurality of sectoral parts spaced from each other and in which said ribs are spaced apart a distance less than the peripheral rim length of each said sectoral part.

8. The improvement according to claim 1 which further includes an access slot through said wall extending from the end of said container remote from said release device part way toward the opposite end of said container, means defining a ribbon end fastening device on said hub, and a ribbon having one end attached to said fastening device and wound upon said hub with the other end of said ribbon extended through said access slot in said wall.

9. In the combination of a pair of spools and a pair of containers therefor, each said spool having a hub with a fiange at one end of said hub and each said container having a wall closed upon itself to define a hollow space in which a said spool is positioned with said iiange thereof facing one end of said container, the improvement which includes means defining a plurality of resilient ribs on the inner side of said wall of each said container spaced at intervals thereabout, each said rib having one end thereof secured to said wall and having the other end of said rib free to move outwardly and located adjacent the rim of said fiange, means on each rib engaging said flange rim to restrain movement of said spool of said container, a bowed, resilient release device positioned adjacent said fiange opposite said hub bowed away from said fiange at the center therof and having a plurality of arms, each said arm engaging at the end thereof the inner side of a said rib adjacent the rim of said ange, an access slot through each said wall extending from the end of said container remote from said release device part way toward the opposite end of said container, means defining a ribbon end fastening device on each said hub, means on each said container defining a fiat surface on the exterior wall thereof adjacent said access slot therethrough, a peg projecting from each said fiat surface, means defining a hole in each said fiat surface, .said pair of containers containing said spools being positioned with said access slots in register, said fiat surfaces abutting, said pegs received in said slots, and a ribbon having its opposite ends secured one to the fastening device on each said hub, wound partly upon at least one said hub and extending through said registering access slots.

10. The improvement according to claim 9 in which the flat surface on each said container is on both sides of said access slot of such container, said peg and hole being positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line of said access slot.

11. In the combination of a pair of spools and a pair of containers therefor, each said spool having a hub and each said container having a wall closed upon itself to define a hollow space in which said spool is positioned, the improvement which includes an access slot through each said wall extending from one end of said container part way toward the opposite end of said container7 means defining a ribbon end fastening device on each said hub, means on each said container defining a fiat surface on the exterior wall thereof adjacent said access slot therethrough, a peg projecting from each said fiat surface, means defining a hole in each said fiat surface, said pair of containers containing said spools being positioned with said access slots in register, said fiat surfaces abutting, said pegs received in said slots, and a ribbon having its opposite ends secured one to each said hub, wound partly upon at least one said hub and extending through said registering access slots.

1.2. The improvement according to claim 11 in which the fiat surface on each said container is on both sides of said access slot of such container, said peg and hole being positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line of said access slot.

13. r1`he improvement according to claim 9 in which said fastening device on said hub includes means defining a recessed surface on a portion of said hub lying inside the general contour of said hub, and a pair of arms having their ends confronting and being secured to opposite ends of said hub overlying said recess with their undersides below the general contour of said hub.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,104,746 1/ 38 Hueber 242-74 2,552,222 5 5 1 Schulz et al. 242-74 2,615,642 10/ 52 Schulz 242-74 2,853,175 9/58 Regentrop et al. 197-175 2,873,015 2/59 Gray 197-151 2,873,839 2/59 Bishop 197-175 2,930,469 3/60 Roggenstein 197-151 2,961,083 11/60 Biedinger 197-175 3,008,561 11/61 Landgraf 197-151 3,021,085 2/ 62 Freer 242-74 3,047,121 7/ 62 Roggenstein 197-175 X ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner. ROBERT A. LEIGHEY, Examiner. 

1. IN THE COMBINATION OF A SPOOL HAVING A HUB WITH A FLANGE AT ONE END OF SAID HUB AND A CONTAINER HAVING A WALL CLOSED UPON ITSELF TO DEFINE A HOLLOW SPACE IN WHICH SAID SPOOL IS POSITIONED WITH SAID FLANGE FACING ONE END OF SAID CONTAINER, THE IMPROVEMENT WHICH INCLUDES MEANS DEFINING A PLURALITY OF RESILENT RIBS ON THE INNER SIDE OF SAID WALL SPACED AT INTERVALS THEREABOUT, EACH SAID RIB HAVING ONE END THEREOF SECURED TO SAID WALL AND HAVING THE OTHER END OF SAID RIB FREE TO MOVE OUTWARDLY AND LOCATED ADJACENT THE RIM OF SAID FLANGE, MEANS ON EACH RIB ENGAGING SAID FLANGE RIM TO RESTRAIN MOVEMENT OF SAID SPOOL IN SAID CONTAINER, AND A BOWED, RESILIENT RELEASE DEVICE POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID FLANGE OPPOSITE SAID HUB BOWED AWAY FROM SAID FLANGE AT THE CENTER THEREOF AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF ARMS, EACH SAID ARMS ENGAGING AT THE END THEREOF THE INNER SIDE OF A SAID RIB ADJACENT THE RIM OF SAID FLANGE. 